Rabies vaccine
Post-exposure: WHO 1-week intradermal (2 sites on days 0, 3, 7) or IM (days 0, 3, 7, 14–28). Previously vaccinated: days 0 and 3.
On this page
Post-exposure schedules
| Regimen | Schedule |
|---|---|
| Intradermal (WHO, IPC regimen) | 0.1 mL at 2 sites on days 0, 3 and 7 |
| Intramuscular (Essen) | 1 vial on days 0, 3, 7 and 14–28 |
| Intramuscular (Zagreb) | 2 vials on day 0, 1 vial on days 7 and 21 |
| Previously vaccinated | Days 0 and 3 (no immunoglobulin) |
IM injections go into the deltoid (anterolateral thigh in small children), never the buttock.
Category guide
- Category I (touching, licks on intact skin): no PEP.
- Category II (nibbles, minor scratches without bleeding): wash, vaccine.
- Category III (bites or scratches that bleed, licks on broken skin or mucosa, bats): wash, vaccine plus immunoglobulin.
Frequently asked questions
Is it too late to start the rabies vaccine days after a bite?
No. Start as soon as possible whenever the patient presents, even weeks later.
Used in these guides
Sources
Doses on this page are typical doses from the sources above. Always confirm with a current drug reference, the product leaflet and your hospital protocol, especially in children, pregnancy and kidney or liver disease.